Mitchell "Mitch" Miller

REPUBLIC, MI. – Mitchell Miller, 79, of Republic, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, April 22, 2017 in his home on Witch Lake, surrounded by his family, close friends, and his favorite music. Mitch was born on October 23, 1938 in Escanaba, MI to Michael and Ida Mae Gillespie-Miller, the 13th of 14 children. He was raised in Ralph and graduated from Felch High School in 1957. He attended DeVry University in Chicago IL. He met and married his best friend Arlene Sartori on November 24, 1958. Arlene and Mitch raised five children in Chicago IL and Kingsford, MI. Mitch worked as a TV Repairman at K & G Appliance in Iron Mountain, MI. That’s how he knows everyone in town. Mitch’s musical talent began at a young age, when he taught himself to play the guitar. Since that time, he has played and sang at numerous bluegrass festivals, churches, and community gatherings throughout the area and the country. He also taught himself to play the banjo and the fiddle and shared his love of music with everyone he knew. Mitch enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, wood carving, and cooking and baking pies for all of his family and friends. After retirement, Mitch and Arlene wintered in Florida for eight years and enjoyed spending time with all their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren on their pontoon boat on Witch Lake. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Arlene; two daughters: Sandy (Fran) McArdle, Arlene (Mark) Mohr; three sons: Robert, William, and Thomas; 12 grandchildren: Bill, Steve, Katie (Wes), Jonathon, Theresa (Brian), Adam, Jessica, Kevin (Kira), Kenny, Anthony, Amber, and Brianna. He is also survived by one sister: Margaret (Robert) Johnson of Sagola, MI and one brother Jim (Margaret) of Iron Mountain, MI. Mitch had 12 great grandchildren who adored him: Trey, Taven, Kaylin, Naomi, Michael, Aiden, Jenna, Layla, Elaina, Awinita, Aden, and Rosemary. He was preceded in death by his parents, six sisters: Gloria (Jim) Poquette, Blanche (Norm) Nelson, Gladys LaForrest, Ann (Frank) Buttacavoli, Liz (Lawrence) LaForrest, Inez (Douglas) Campbell; six brothers: Harold (Cheri), Fred (Alma), Rob, Tom, and Vernon. The Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon (CST) at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The Funeral service will follow at 12 Noon(CST) at the funeral home. Sister Margey Schmelzle will officiate. The family will host a celebration of life luncheon at the Niagara Township Hall, W6889 US-8, Niagara, WI directly following the service. Please feel free to bring your instruments and all your best memories of Mitch! Condolences may be expressed to the family of Mitch Miller online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Mitchell "Mitch" Miller

October 23, 1938 - April 22, 2018